Novak Djokovic was humbled by Jannik Sinner in the semifinals of 2024 Australian Open and now the reason behind his shock defeat has been revealed as a health issue.
Defending Champion, Djokovic looked favorite to win a record-extending 11th title as he looked in good shape during the first week of the Happy Slam. However, he feel short against an inspired Sinner in the final four as the young Italian overcame the legendary Serbian in four sets. Sinner absolutely dominated in the opening two sets of the clash but allowed Djokovic some rhythm in the third who won the third set in tiebreak before eventually taking the fourth to register a seminal 6-1, 6-2, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3 win.
The 36-year-old didn’t have to say anything about his health as he instead lauded the 22-year-old efforts that landed him in the maiden Grand Slam final of his career. However, now the Serbian journalist Luka Nikolic has revealed that the 10-time Champion at Melbourne Park was dealing with “a severe flu” during the tournament.
“Information coming from Serbia is that Novak Djokovic had a severe flu against Jannik Sinner which explained the loss,” Nikolic is quoted as saying on social media.
“He got a fever the night before the semi-final. Something similar to what Zverev had. He was sick for three weeks, and then he had a relapse.
“That’s why he played so badly in the first two sets, you could see he was weak and couldn’t do it. He couldn’t play well in those conditions. He didn’t want to go to the doctor so the journalists wouldn’t bother him and make a fuss.”
Although Djokovic didn’t comment or hinted on his personal health issues post Sinner match, the 24-time Grand Slam champion did admit after his R1 win against Dino Prizmic that he was slightly ill for a last couple of days.
“I am a bit under the weather last, yeah, four, five days. You can probably judge by my voice,” he said. “Look, it is what it is — you just have to try to deal with it and get over it and accept the circumstances and try to make the most of it.
“I will discuss with my team tomorrow, see if I maybe skip practice tomorrow, tennis practice. Maybe do some light work, gym, jog, some specific exercises just to keep my body in shape.
“I mean, last year I haven’t practiced in between any match really. It was different circumstances because I was injured. I think now with two days (of rest), it’s quite useful after playing four-hour opening round.
“Let’s see how I wake up tomorrow and then we’ll play it by ear,” said the World No. 1.